Ben Dhyan
Veteran Member
I think you underestimate the intelligence of students of scripture, first of all the passage is symbolic, and yes, the word "like" in this context means similar. Concerning the meaning of the symbolism, it is meant to convey to the student that human perception of the passage of time is relative and appropriate for their temporary existence, a human life span and/or human perception of seemingly long periods of time otoh are but a moment in the vastness of eternal existence.That verse and saying from Peter’s epistle is often misused, misinterpreted, and misunderstood.
Using the word “like” is indication that it is simile, therefore it should be taken as literal. Treating as literal would be taking the verse out-of-context.
A simile is for example is a figure of speech, where you are comparing 2 different things with vague similarity in action, but are not literally the same, is often used in poetry or story.
When I say that Usain Bolt runs swift “like a cheetah” or swift “like the wind”, it doesn’t matter that Bolt is a “cheetah” or “wind”.
It shouldn’t be read as literal as if a thousand years is equaled to a day, because of the use of simile.
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